relatively

adverb

rel·​a·​tive·​ly ˈre-lə-tiv-lē 

: to a relative degree or extent : somewhat

a relatively small group of people

relatively cool weather

The house is relatively new.

Phrases

relatively speaking

1

: when compared to others that are similar

The procedure was quick, relatively speaking.

Relatively speaking, the movie wasn't bad.

2

—used to say that something is true or correct as a general statement even if it is not entirely true or correct

The trip was, relatively speaking, a disaster.

Synonyms

• enough
• fairly
• kind of
• kindly [chiefly Southern]
• like
• moderately
• more or less
• pretty
• quite
• rather
• something
• somewhat
• sort of

Examples of relatively in a Sentence

these newly acquired in-laws felt relatively comfortable at our family reunion

Recent Examples on the Web

Entering Spring Training, the starting rotation was expected to be Cole, Carlos Rodon, Marcus Stroman, Clarke Schmidt, and Nestor Cortes Jr. Despite Cole's injury, the rotation stayed relatively healthy, but the loss of their ace still led to Gil becoming the best rookie in the American League. —Tyler Small, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025

Strong currents, wave action, and relatively coarse sediment help oxygen to mix into the water and sediments, which helps the fuel to degrade more quickly. —Lauren Lowman, WIRED, 15 Mar. 2025

Recent polling also suggests that Americans are relatively unhappy with DOGE’s efforts. —Filip Timotija, The Hill, 15 Mar. 2025

Although the question of whether bureaucrats make good lovers is relatively modern, the trope of the bureaucrat as avoiding hard work has existed for as long as bureaucracy itself. —Charlie Tyson, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing relatively

• relatively prime

Kids Definition

relatively

adverb

rel·​a·​tive·​ly

ˈrel-ət-iv-lē

: somewhat entry 2